As the EaGLe FLiEs

We all know the saying. The old and common saying... "as the crow flies." It's an expression that pronounces the short distance a crow would have to fly, compared to the distance one usually travels on a road, to a destination. Crows are likely the least glorious of birds. They are simple in color and pesky in gardens. But have you ever watched an eagle in its glory? Their flight and their nests are in extremely high places. The highest nest I have ever seen was an eagle's nest that looked like it would almost reach the sky. It was glorious. Eagles live and fly with a stature that is recognized and respected. It's no wonder Jeremiah uses an eagles nest as a sobering illustration to those who had strayed in their hearts.

Your terribleness has deceived you, and the pride of your heart, 
O you that dwell in the clefts of the rock, that holds the height of the hill: 
although you should make your nest as high as the eagle, 
I will bring you down from there, says the LORD. 
Jeremiah 49:16  (KJV, my modification) 

Ouch. Surely these words could be taken harshly. But they are true and valid. Pride is something to be spoken against, with firm conviction. God uses an illustration of a high-flying and powerful bird to speak caution to his people. But why so harsh? Because pride is destructive. It is the element of evil which caused the angelic ruler Lucifer, to fall from his position. Lucifer inherited the name Satan as he fell like lightening from heaven (Luke 10:18). He fell from his high nest, because he desired to build his nest tOO high. Scripture says he intended to build his throne as high as the Most High God (Isaiah 14: 12-14) Satan's choice of naming God as the MoSt High, reveals that he instinctively knew the Highest thrown was already occupied.

A prideful heart is one that sEEks iTs OwN will and gLoRy. A prideful heart is one set against its Maker. God knows the results of pride in the hearts of His people, so through Jeremiah, God was reminding us of another saying we have likely heard : there is always "pride before the fall." When humans fly high, we are flying independently, to our own beat, and as high as we like. That is arrogance at its worst. But the higher we fly in our own hearts, the farther we fall to the reality of the Most High.

In other words. . .
            "As the EaGLe FLiEs . . . so he falls."

Pride is the opposite in stature to recognizing God's authority. Recognizing God's authority, is to fear Him. But don't turn away yet - I'm not speaking of a cowering fear or being afraid. What God intends by "fearing" Him, is not to be afraid of Him. My son once explained what it means to fear God. His words were something to the tone of ... respect His authority. To fear God is simply to respect Him and to be sUbjEcT to His leading. It is to do what Lucifer did not: to recognize our humanity in contrast to God's inhumanity. God desires that we turn our hearts from pride because a heart set toward Him produces fruit.

Proverbs 19:23  

"The fear of the LORD leads to life, 

and he who has it will live in satisfaction . . ."

Respecting His authority is simply recognizing, that the position of MoSt High is aLrEaDy TaKeN. Recognizing God's authority helps us remain in correct proximity to Him. * God above all. * Humans in subjection to that reality. And as humans, we have two options in being subject to the Most High.
       
            Be humble,
                     or be humbled.

A heart set with its Maker is one rEaDy to listen and WiLLiNg to obey. The God who LoVeS us as His own, DeSiRes the BeSt for His own. And humble hearts are His desire, because HuMbLe hearts cling to their Most High God.

# HaShTag ReHaShEs #

#PoSiTiOnALrEaDyTaKen
#BeHUMBLEorBeHUMBLED
#rEaDyandWiLLiNg

Have-ta ask: What does my heart look like to the Most High God? Is there pride hiding in the depths that keeps me out of surrender and appropriate proximity to God?

Praisin' God today: Thank you God for your magnitude, for you are above all things.

Askin' God today: God, (MoSt High) search my heart and bring to light, any glimpse of pride. Remind me daily of Your infallibility and my human position of "hum"ility. Keep my heart sUbjEcT to you today.

Soakin' up Scripture:  Ephesians 4:6 - One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

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* Thanks mom, for clarifying the old saying :) 
* A little crow research : www.thewayofthecrow.com